Anne Robinson sees city as 'strongest link' in culture contest

And you know you're doing something right when you have Anne Robinson singing your praises.

Television's 'Queen of Mean' might be best known for her barbed comments on 'The Weakest Link' but she has given Derry-Londonderry's bid to become UK City of Culture 2013 the most enthusiastic backing possible.

"For a city of its size Derry has an amazing range of cultural attractions which will form the basis of a strong bid to become UK City of Culture 2013. Derry has the people, the tradition, the spirit, the energy and the talent to be an outstanding City of Culture. Derry is, in fact, the STRONGEST LINK!" she said.

Anne's association with the city goes back over four decades to the late 1960s when she first visited the city as a young journalist. Having seen the city come through the dark days of the troubles she has been inspired by the spirit of the city and the transformation it has undergone since its emergence from conflict.

"I first visited Derry in 1968 as a young journalist for the Sunday Times and continued to report on the unfolding civil rights story for the next decade.

"Since then I've followed the media coverage about the city and the impact of the troubles.

"That media coverage for 40 years, perhaps inevitably, has been dominated by negative stories.

"Yet in the past five years when I visited the city on a regular basis I've been astonished at the spirit and energy of the City.

"Derry is a story of hope and triumph. The change is so dramatic and delightful it is surely time for the rest of the world to have the chance to hear of this miraculous transformation," she said.

Anne says she has been touched by the unfailing warmth of the city's people.

"Every time I visit I am struck by the warmth and sincerity of the people and am touched by their very genuine affection.

"During one of my stays we organised a fund raiser for the Alzheimer's Society, a charity very dear to me, and I was overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill of the Derry people," she said.